The mission of the Vilas County Forest is to manage, conserve, and protect our natural resources on a sustainable basis for present and future generations.

Natural resources, such as those provided by the Vilas County Forest are the basis for addressing the ecological and socioeconomic needs of society. Sustainable management on the Vilas County Forest balances the ecological needs of watershed protection, protection of rare plant and animal communities, and maintenance of plant and animal diversity with society’s socioeconomic needs for recreational opportunities and the production of raw materials for wood-using industries. Sustainable management also reduces losses from natural catastrophes such as fire, insect and disease outbreaks, and from human threats such as encroachment, over-utilization, environmental degradation and excessive development.